Manchester City youngster Nico O’Reilly has added another major individual honour to his breakthrough campaign after being named the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) Young Player of the Year for 2025/26.

The 21-year-old was announced as the winner at the 53rd PFA Awards ceremony on Tuesday, following a remarkable season in which he established himself as an important member of Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City side. Blueprint reports

The award was determined by votes from professional footballers, making O’Reilly’s achievement particularly significant as it represents recognition from his fellow players.

Another major award for O’Reilly

O’Reilly’s latest recognition comes after an already impressive collection of individual honours.

He was previously voted the 2025/26 Premier League Young Player of the Season, while Manchester City supporters also recognised him as the club’s Etihad Player of the Year.

His PFA success now adds another prestigious award to a season in which the academy graduate went from a promising youngster to an increasingly influential figure in Guardiola’s squad.

Breakthrough season at Manchester City

O’Reilly enjoyed a remarkable 2025/26 campaign, making 53 appearances across all competitions and contributing nine goals and six assists.

Although he came through Manchester City’s academy as a midfielder, O’Reilly established himself prominently at left-back in senior football, demonstrating his versatility by also operating in midfield.

His energy, work rate and ability to contribute in the final third made him an important component of City’s campaign, with his performances earning increasing responsibility as the season progressed.

The Premier League previously described him as a revelation during City’s title-chasing campaign, highlighting his ability to perform in multiple roles and make a significant impact despite his age.

Match-winning contribution at Wembley

One of O’Reilly’s most memorable performances came in the Carabao Cup final, where he scored both goals as Manchester City defeated Arsenal 2-0 at Wembley.

The brace further underlined his growing importance to the club and demonstrated his ability to deliver on major occasions.

His contribution throughout the campaign also saw him become one of the most prominent young players in English football, with his performances earning recognition beyond Manchester City.

Recognition from fellow professionals

The PFA Young Player of the Year award carries particular weight because the winner is selected by professional footballers.

O’Reilly was nominated alongside Manchester City teammate Rayan Cherki, Arsenal youngster Max Dowman, Bournemouth forward Eli Junior Kroupi, Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo and Liverpool winger Rio Ngumoha.

Beating such a strong group of young players underlines the scale of O’Reilly’s progress during the campaign.

His recognition also reflects the wider impact of his performances, having transitioned from an academy prospect into a player capable of competing at the highest level of English football.

City dominate PFA Team of the Year

O’Reilly’s individual success was complemented by a strong showing for Manchester City in the PFA Premier League Team of the Year.

The 21-year-old was selected in the XI alongside City teammates Erling Haaland, Rayan Cherki and Antoine Semenyo.

Arsenal supplied four players, while Manchester United and Brentford also had representatives in the team voted for by professional footballers.

Bright future ahead

O’Reilly’s rapid development has positioned him as one of the emerging young stars in English football.

His ability to operate effectively in different positions, combined with his attacking threat and defensive work rate, has given Guardiola another versatile option within the Manchester City squad.

Having already secured the Premier League Young Player of the Season award and now the PFA Young Player of the Year prize, O’Reilly has capped his breakthrough campaign with two of the most significant individual honours available to young players in English football.

The latest award is also another indication of the confidence surrounding the Manchester City academy graduate as he looks to build on his impressive 2025/26 campaign and establish himself as a long-term fixture at the Etihad Stadium.